Home » Recipe Index »Bread Recipes
ByLauraPublished onUpdated on
A taste of home for the holidays! This real Gingerbread Recipe is just like grandma used to make - warm, spicy, and comforting.
Jump to Recipe
This post has affiliate links.As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.
Have you had Gingerbread from a real gingerbread recipe? Not a cookie, biscotti, house, or latte but real honest to god Gingerbread Cake Loaf?
Try this gingerbread cake recipe once and you’ll be converted
It’s indeed something worth baking up just for the scent of it baking. Your house will be fragrant with the wafting scent of ginger and molasses even after it’s done baking.
James Beard’s Gingerbread Cake Recipe
I found this recipe in the James Beard on Bread cookbook, if you haven’t read that book check it out. It’s very informative and as always you understand that James Beard was also a master storyteller too.
Sometimes referred to as Gingerbread Loaf Or Gingerbread Cake
It is like a cake but baked in a loaf pan. And sliced. So cake or loaf, it all works! I like the fact that you can slice because it makes for an easy way to send it in lunches.
About this Real Gingerbread Recipe:
- makes One 9×5 loaf, you can double it but it’s tricky mixing it like that
- yes the recipe is correct it doesn’t have any added granulated sugar (trust the process!)
- this gingerbread recipe uses dried ginger powder that you find in the spice aisle
- cut the butter in chunks small enough to melt quickly with the boiling water
- best eaten sliced with butter like banana bread but also good cold
Gingerbread Cake
This warm Gingerbread Cake er loaf was taste tested by hungry teachers who groaned and told me how their grandmother used to make something similar.
I’ve ALSO got this gorgeous Frosted Gingerbread Cake if that’s more your style!
This is a great gift to make and give to friends. I included it in my Big List of Handmade Homemade Edible Food Gifts. Check it out if you like to make and give non-cluttering gifts.
Light or Dark Molasses for Gingerbread?
For this recipe you want UNSULPHURED molasses, either light or dark will work. Light molasses is less flavorful and some people prefer that, Grandma’s is a light molasses. Dark has a deeper flavor so if you like that use it, Brer Rabbit is a dark molasses.
other recipes you’ll love!
Try this recipe for Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls! Perfect for Christmas morning or any other time you want a fun and festive breakfast!
Or if you love traditions and saints make these Santa Lucia Buns.
Gingerbread Recipe
4.43 from 177 votes
A taste of home for the holidays! This real Gingerbread Recipe is just like grandma used to make – warm, spicy, and comforting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: 2399kcal
Author: Laura
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses
- 5 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 salt more if you use unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 cups flour
Instructions
butter a 9×5 loaf pan
preheat the oven to 375˚
put molasses in a mixing bowl, cut the 5 Tablespoons of butter in chunks, and add it to the bowl
add the 1/2 cup boiling water to the bowl and stir until the butter is melted
mix the 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger together
add to the molasses and stir, it will bubble up and get thick
add 2 cups of flour and stir until it's smooth
pour in the prepared loaf pan, bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf bounces back when you poke it
cool for 10 minutes then remove from pan and cool completely OR slice it warm
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 2399kcal | Carbohydrates: 445g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 1681mg | Potassium: 5244mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 253g | Vitamin A: 1750IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 752mg | Iron: 28mg
- 3 Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Best Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
- Heaven On Earth Cake
- Mixed Berry Custard Pie
- French Apple Cake
- Mocha Torte
- Mallowmars Recipe
- Crock Pot Candy